Hello Parents,
This week in our Showcase Zoom call, our missionaries shared a new ad campaign for Facebook they developed. Elder McMullin taught us about The Manét Collection. The Manét is a jellyfish. It is 95% water, lacks a brain, is highly venomous, and is often hit by boats causing damage to the propellers. The Manét is made entirely of unique sensor cells that work together, and they live forever. So how does this relate to the gospel and to missionary work? Elder McMullin told us that we are all a unique part of the North Dakota Bismarck Mission jellyfish. Many things in life cause us to get broken, or ripped, or torn apart. The atonement of Jesus Christ helps us to rebuild our lives, and reorganize ourselves into a better jellyfish, so to speak. The healing power of the Atonement helps us pop back from trials and any brokenness we may have, so that we can be a source of strength to others.
Below is the link to one of the showcase videos. It is the touching story of one of our missionaries, Sister Kennington, and her journey to exercise faith and find peace amidst trials.
https://www.facebook.com/WalkwithChristDickinsonND/videos/403862697655352
We also watched “The Christ Child” in preparation for the new “Light The World” Campaign, soon to be revealed. During General Conference, President Nelson taught us to “Look to the future with joyful anticipation”! You can look forward to a new church video called “Hope Shines Brightly”. Even though we have ALL had enough of 2020 with all that has happened during the Pandemic, we can still have HOPE!
We said “Until we meet again” to our four Liberian elders (Elder Hastings, Elder Mikkelson, Elder Parker, and Elder Behunin). They left our mission to return to Liberia to serve the rest of their missions. We will miss them here, but wished them every success in their new adventure.
Our mission virtual choir has recorded their third number: “Where Can I Turn For Peace?” Elder Milner wrote the arrangement, and it is beautifully done. Below is the link:
https://www.facebook.com/WalkwithChristBlackHills/videos/384945576203240
This is what I wrote to the missionaries this week:
In the great Book of Mormon chapter (Mosiah 29), that teaches us about the importance of the voice of the people (voting, elections, civic participation) there are these scriptural gems:
“I say unto you LET US BE WISE and CONSIDER THESE THINGS,. . .” (vs. 8)
“. . . LET US BE WISE AND LOOK FORWARD TO THESE THINGS, and DO THAT WHICH WILL MAKE FOR THE PEACE of this people” (vs. 10).
“. . . do your business BY THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE” (vs. 26).
“. . . I (God) desire that this land be a LAND OF LIBERTY, and every man may enjoy his rights and privileges alike, . . .” (vs. 32).
“And now it came to pass that Alma did WALK IN THE WAYS OF THE LORD, AND HE DID KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS, and HE DID JUDGE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENTS; AND THERE WAS CONTINUAL PEACE THROUGH THE LAND” (vs. 43).
Elder Quentin L. Cook said, “Latter-day Saints in every country should BE GOOD CITIZENS, participate in civic affairs, educate themselves on the issues, and vote" (Ensign, November 2013).
May we thank God always for this “land of liberty” and pray, and be good citizens, so that it stays a “land of liberty.”
Love, President (and Sister) Howell
Mission President & Wife